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Introduction

Our correspondent is about to begin to take you through this day's short race (14:00 GMT) and qualifying (18:00 GMT).

Current Events

Formation Lap Period

The starting lap is underway.

Track Information

We have nineteen laps around the lengthiest track in F1, the commentator reminds us.

Final Moments

The final countdown is underway.

Driver Situation

An advantage in Verstappen's advantage: his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is ahead of him by one place. It's improbable to interfere with the team's main man.

Interview Updates

Sky interviewing Sky now: Gary Neville is at the Mercedes team.

Karun Chandhok is looking forward to the 2026 season, speaking with Adrian Newey about his stepping up to Aston Martin team principal.

Starting Positions

Just 16 cars on the grid. It was another poor grid-setting session for the driver: after coming twentieth and final in the previous race, resulting in an eighth position in the grand prix, he did not manage to advance of the first qualifying segment once more on Friday. Ferrari have as a result adjusted to his setup and so he begins from the pit lane.

Aston Martin's Lance Stroll and the Alpine duo of Gasly and Colapinto are all doing likewise.

Driver Comments

"We'll use the learning for the next day," states Isack Hadjar, starting eleventh. There will be plenty of learning.

Team Standings

The focus isn't solely on the drivers' title: McLaren have dominated the constructors' gong but the team, with a forty-point advantage over their rivals, are aiming to seal second place this weekend. Russell can help them achieve that from the front row, and Antonelli will begin immediately after Verstappen.

Past Performance

Oscar Piastri was victorious then – as he managed the previous season, as well. McLaren's Australian is going for a hat-trick.

Short Race Importance

Alright, just over twenty minutes remaining until the short race begins. Unless something goes wrong, it's greatest value is as an indication of future events, rather than highly important in its itself, with only eight points available to the victor. However, second place here was sufficient for Verstappen to become champion two years ago.

The driver claimed the championship after his teammate's accident of Qatar GP sprint race.